Publications

Authors: Drew Schiavone

UMD's Solar Energy Curriculum is an educational program aimed at equipping homeowners, farmers, business owners, and educators with the skills to effectively use solar energy. It covers topics such as system design, market dynamics, financial considerations, and regulatory aspects. Participants can choose from tailored tracks to meet specific goals, whether it's reducing energy costs, promoting sustainability, or educating others. By completing the program, individuals will acquire the knowledge to design, install, and maintain solar PV systems, as well as understand financial incentives and navigate regulatory landscapes, ultimately becoming advocates for sustainable energy solutions. Author: Drew Schiavone, Ph.D.; Title: Solar Energy Curriculum (EC-2024-0710).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson

This paper delves into the multifaceted dynamics of consumer education and decision-making within diverse cultural contexts. It underscores the pivotal role consumer knowledge plays in navigating today's complex marketplace, addressing both individual and collective needs in a globalized world. By understanding essential consumer rights; such as safety, access to accurate information, and the art of choosing, individuals can enhance satisfaction and mitigate potential negative impacts. The discussion extends to exploring how consumer education enriches financial literacy and refines resource management, equipping individuals with the tools needed to understand guarantees and warranties comprehensively. The paper also highlights the consumer's crucial role in fostering ethical behavior, emphasizing the significance of laws designed to protect consumers. By merging these elements, the article presents a thorough view of how informed consumers contribute to a more equitable and efficient marketplace. Author: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D.; Title: Understanding Choices: Navigating Consumer Education for a Better Tomorrow (FS-2024-0742).

Authors: Brilliant Asamoah - Colby Silvert

This publication addresses best practices Extension and outreach educators can use to engage stakeholders in their program planning and evaluation efforts. The authors emphasize the importance of applying different techniques to involve stakeholders, from initial planning and design all the way to the point when recommendations are finalized and implemented. To help educators identify target stakeholders, the article describes brainstorming and analysis tools that can map and define relevant individuals and groups. A central tool described is the Power Versus Interest Stakeholder Analysis Grid, used to classify stakeholders based on the power and interest they will likely bring to an existing or proposed program. Educators can employ the structured processes in the article to help ensure that key stakeholders are not overlooked and community leaders buy into new programs. Both face-to-face and virtual engagement techniques and participatory evaluation models are highlighted, and a list is provided of resources for educators to deepen their knowledge on stakeholder engagement strategies within program planning and evaluation. Authors: Brilliant Asamoah and Colby Silvert; Title: Engaging Stakeholders in Extension Program Planning and Evaluation Efforts (FS-2024-0741).

Authors: Qianwen Lu - Neith Little

Heat stress is a common summer problem for crop production and is worsened by rising temperatures and urban heat island effects. This extension brief introduces symptoms of crops impacted by heat stress and tips to mitigate crop heat stress. Authors: Qianwen Lu and Neith Little; Title: Reducing Crop Heat Stress in Urban Farms (EBR-2024-0720).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson - Naimani Staley - Isaias Tesfalidet

This paper explores the growth of financial technology, highlighting the importance of digital literacy and financial education in reshaping personal finance through apps and online platforms. The surge in mobile banking has forced financial institutions to improve their mobile applications; they are now investing in apps that offer greater convenience and engaging features to retain customers. However, while these advancements offer many benefits, they also introduce unknown risks, such as cybersecurity threats and scams. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to be educated on safety measures to protect themselves. The goal of financial technology is to create a more just economic system by broadening access to financial resources, strengthening financial inclusion for underserved populations and fostering economic empowerment through user-friendly mobile banking apps, accessible micro-loans, and transparent investment platforms. Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D., Naimani Staley, and Isaias Y. Tesfalidet; Title: The Relevance of Financial Technology: Bridging the Gap Between Consumers and Services (FS-2024-0724).

Authors: Matthew Trause - James Schupp - Macarena Farcuh

Red skin coloration is highly associated with apple fruit marketability and profitability. It is determined by the content and composition of anthocyanins. A multifaceted approach—considering environmental factors, site of establishment, cultivars, rootstocks, mineral nutrition, crop load, and fruit maturity —are key to meeting the required apple red skin coloration standards. Authors: Matthew Trause, James Schupp, Ph.D., and Macarena Farcuh, Ph. D.; Title: Apple Red Skin Coloration: A Grower's Checklist (FS-2025-0753).

Authors: Anna Glenn - Joseph Cho - Jeff Howard

Global Citizenship Education helps 4-H youth build cultural awareness, empathy, and real-world skills through inclusive programs—no passport required! Learn how you can incorporate it into your 4-H program. Authors: Anna Glenn, Joseph Cho, and Jeff Howard; Title: Global Citizenship Education in 4-H: A Guide for 4-H Professionals (FS-2024-0714).

Authors: Lillian Masson - Elizabeth Thilmany - Stephanie Lansing - Derek Wietelman

A culmination of recent research on Maryland’s livestock sector assesses nutrient production, management practices, and treatment technologies, highlighting areas where nutrient outputs exceed processing capacity to support informed policymaking, strategic investments, and public awareness. Authors: Lillian Masson, Elizabeth Thilmany, Stephanie Landsing, and Derek Wietelman; Title: Maryland’s Nutrient, Animal Waste, and Technology Landscape (FS-2024-0737).

Authors: Sarah Hirsh - Haley Sater - Jonathan Moyle

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) is a promising perennial biomass crop that offers a sustainable solution for marginal lands affected by saltwater intrusion, intermittent flooding, and deer damage. Our research, conducted over two harvest seasons, evaluated the performance of giant miscanthus in a 10-acre commercial field exposed to these challenges. Despite the harsh conditions, the crop established well, with only a small yield penalty compared to miscanthus grown on prime land, demonstrating its resilience where traditional crops like corn and soybeans struggle. One of the most notable findings was giant miscanthus’s ability to tolerate high salinity, an increasing concern for farmland impacted by rising sea levels on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The crop survived even in areas submerged for over a month, with total loss occurring only in sections that remained flooded year-round. Additionally, our research confirmed its strong resistance to deer browsing, as deer largely avoided the tough, fibrous stems and leaves. With minimal inputs after establishment and an annual harvest, giant miscanthus is a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative for biomass production. Its adaptability to marginal land makes it a viable economic and environmental solution for farmers facing challenging growing conditions. Authors: Sarah Hirsh, Haley Sater and Jonathan Moyle; Title: Growing Giant Miscanthus on Marginal Land: A Sustainable Solution for Challenging Conditions (FS-2024-0735).

Authors: Haley Sater - Sarah Hirsh - Jonathan Moyle

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) is a perennial, warm-season biomass crop that can thrive on both prime and marginal land. It grows up to 12 feet tall, develops deep roots, and has a lifespan of 15–30 years. Once established, it requires minimal inputs and reaches peak biomass production in its third year, yielding 10–15 tons per acre. Unlike other Miscanthus species, giant miscanthus is a sterile hybrid, meaning it does not spread by seed, reducing its invasiveness. It expands slowly through rhizomes and generally remains within its planted boundaries unless disturbed by erosion. It is well-adapted to various soil types and can tolerate wet or salty conditions with some yield loss. Rhizomes are typically planted in early spring or fall, depending on the field site and climate. Giant miscanthus requires minimal fertilization and weed control after establishment. It is resistant to deer browsing and has shown little susceptibility to pests and diseases. In Maryland, it is harvested annually from November to March using standard forage equipment. The biomass can be used for bioenergy, animal bedding, and industrial applications, with additional benefits for erosion control and carbon sequestration. Farmers should secure a market before investing in this long-term crop. Authors: Haley Sater, Sarah Hirsh, and Jonathan Moyle; Title: Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus): A Perennial Biomass Crop (FS-2024-0734).